A Message From Your CEO
Welcome to the Ocala Housing Authority's new website!
It is my pleasure to welcome you to our newly redesigned online home. Whether you are a resident, landlord, applicant, community partner, or visitor, we are honored to have you here and appreciate your interest in the Ocala Housing Authority.
As we launch this new website, we are especially proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone-75 years of serving the residents of Ocala and Marion County. Since our founding in 1951, the Ocala Housing Authority has remained steadfast in its commitment to improving lives, strengthening neighborhoods, and creating opportunities for individuals and families. While much has changed over the past seven and a half decades, our purpose has remained the same: serving our community with excellence, compassion, and integrity.
At the Ocala Housing Authority, our mission is clear: "The Ocala Housing Authority is committed to building stronger communities that will foster personal growth and self-sufficiency."
This mission is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that housing is more than providing a place to live-it is the foundation for opportunity, stability, and hope. Every home we provide and every service we offer is designed to help individuals and families build brighter futures while strengthening the communities we proudly serve.
Today, the Ocala Housing Authority serves thousands of individuals and families through 185 Public Housing units, 48 market-rate rental homes, and 1,511 Housing Choice Vouchers. Beyond providing quality housing, we offer programs that promote education, financial empowerment, homeownership, and self-sufficiency, helping residents achieve long-term independence and success.
Our work is guided by our core values of Integrity, Accountability, Respect, Service, Excellence, Leadership, Innovation, and Community Impact. These principles define our culture and shape every decision we make. They inspire us to lead with honesty, remain accountable to those we serve, treat every individual with dignity and respect, pursue excellence in every aspect of our work, embrace innovative solutions, and create a lasting, positive impact throughout our community.
One of our greatest priorities is delivering exceptional customer service. We recognize that every person who walks through our doors or contacts our agency is entrusting us with an important part of their journey. Whether someone is applying for housing, participating in one of our programs, or partnering with us as a landlord or community stakeholder, we are committed to providing a welcoming experience rooted in professionalism, compassion, and respect.
At the Ocala Housing Authority, we believe that once an individual connects with our agency for any service, they become part of the OHA family. That philosophy is woven into our culture and reflected in the way we serve. We strive to ensure every interaction leaves people feeling valued, heard, supported, and empowered.
Our new website reflects these same commitments. Designed with accessibility, transparency, and convenience in mind, it provides easier access to information, applications, programs, and resources while strengthening communication with our residents, landlords, applicants, and community partners.
None of our accomplishments would be possible without the dedication of our Board of Commissioners, employees, residents, landlords, community partners, and the citizens of Ocala and Marion County. Thank you for your trust and continued partnership throughout our 75-year history.
As we celebrate this milestone and look toward the future, we remain committed to innovation, responsible stewardship, and exceptional service. Together, we will continue building stronger communities that foster personal growth and self-sufficiency for generations to come.
Thank you for visiting our website. We invite you to explore our programs and services, connect with our team, and discover how the Ocala Housing Authority continues to make a difference every day. We look forward to welcoming you to the OHA family as we continue our proud tradition of Building Stronger Communities, Fostering Personal Growth, and Promoting Self-Sufficiency.
With gratitude,
Dr. Gwendolyn B. Dawson
Chief Executive Officer
Ocala Housing Authority
